Leaks are one of the more common, aggravating, and damaging plumbing problems a home can face. Even a small pinhole leak can destroy drywall and lead to other major issues—not to mention wastewater and drive up your bills.
However, leaks present a special problem when it comes to repairs: finding the leak in the first place! Unless the leak springs up in one of the few visible pipes in your home, you probably won’t know where leaks are located. This is one of the reasons that you must rely on experienced plumbing professionals to handle the repair work. Leak detection is an important service that plumbers offer. Using the techniques below, licensed plumbers can find exactly where leaks are occurring so they can accurately and quickly repair them.
Acoustic listening devices
Ground microphones and listening discs are among the basic tools that plumbers use to pinpoint leaks. Using sound technology, they can hear the noise of escaping water and dripping even through a layer of concrete.
Heat scanners
In areas that are too noisy or too deep for using acoustic listening methods, plumbers use scanners that pick up temperature changes. Escaping water causes temperature shifts that will show up on the scanners.
Video pipe inspection equipment
For the most precise leak detection, plumbers use a miniaturized camera mounted on long fiber optic cables. The camera relays images back to a monitor where the plumber can see the condition of the inside of the pipe. Not only does this show where leaks are, but it also provides the plumber with extra information that will make it easier to repair the leak.
Training
There’s one other invaluable tool plumbers have for leak detection: their own professional training. Licensed plumbers know enough about plumbing systems that they can rapidly narrow down the search area without requiring any special technology at all. That’s why you should only call on plumbers with the right experience.
Mallick Plumbing & Heating is the Service Contractor of Choice in Silver Spring, MD and Montgomery County.